Project Overview
Noble Works Australia, in partnership with H-Projects, began demolition works on a 1940s-era brick warehouse positioned on the corner of McEvoy Street and Bowden Street, two heavily trafficked arterial roads. Initial inspections highlighted structural instability within the external brick walls, making them unsafe to leave unsupported during demolition.
To execute the project safely and compliantly, Noble Works and H-Projects engaged Legend Hire to design and deliver a custom-engineered facade propping solution that would stabilise the aged brick structure and satisfy strict engineering certification requirements.
The Challenge
The project presented several significant constraints:
- Aging, fragile 1940s brickwork prone to unpredictable collapse
- Boundary walls located directly adjacent to major public roads
- High safety risk to workers, pedestrians, and passing traffic
- Engineering certification required before demolition could commence
- A need for rapid delivery and deployment to maintain project momentum
With public safety and structural reliability at the forefront, a conventional shoring system was not sufficient. The solution needed to be extremely robust, engineered for high loads, and adaptable to the unique wall conditions.
The Solution
Design
Legend Hire designed a custom counterbalance propping system built around their Legend 50-tonne prop brace, a heavy-duty, high-capacity structural support ideal for stabilising deteriorated masonry walls in constrained urban environments.
This system incorporated:
- 50T Legend Hire props for maximum load resistance
- A counterbalance configuration engineered for zero ground penetration near the road edge
- Integrated kelly blocks to secure the system and ensure uniform load distribution
- A highly adaptable brace layout tailored to the varying thickness and condition of the brick wall
The design delivered extreme stability, met all engineering requirements, and ensured the demolition could proceed with confidence.
Supply
Legend Hire supplied a complete, brand-new propping package, delivered fully equipped with:
- 50T props
- Kelly blocks
- All nuts, bolts, plates, and tie-down straps
- Preconfigured bracing components
- Documentation for engineering and installation
All equipment arrived on site on time, in perfect condition, and compliant with all Australian standards.
Installation
Legend Hire’s team attended site for initial installation support, ensuring the customised 50T system and kelly block configuration were assembled correctly. They helped Noble Works:
- Validate the brace positioning
- Identify any installation snags
- Confirm alignment and load paths
- Walk through the sequencing to complete the setup safely
Once the initial guidance was complete, the on-site team took over to finalise installation, benefiting greatly from Legend Hire’s expertise.
Inspections & Handovers
The process included:
- On-site verification by Legend Hire
- Engineering review and certification
- A coordinated handover to the demolition contractor and client teams
Each stakeholder had complete transparency into the system’s design, purpose, and performance characteristics.
Engineering Considerations
Engineering requirements were stringent due to the age and condition of the structure and proximity to public roads. Key considerations included:
- Load modelling for the 50-tonne prop system to handle worst-case lateral forces
- Ensuring the kelly block foundations provided consistent, slip-resistant load transfer
- Designing a counterbalance system to avoid excavation near roadways
- Enhancing redundancy for uneven or deteriorated brickwork
- Engineering certification to verify all equipment met Australian standards
- Fast-track approval to align with the demolition program
The resulting system exceeded performance expectations, providing maximum stability with minimal site disruption.
The Outcomes
Legend Hire’s custom shoring system delivered exceptional results:
- Safe stabilisation of the aged brick walls throughout demolition
- Zero disruptions to McEvoy and Bowden Street
- Engineering certification achieved smoothly
- Reliable performance of the 50T prop and kelly block system
- Rapid turnaround from order to delivery and installation support
- Highly coordinated collaboration between Noble Works, H-Projects, the demolition contractor, Legend Hire, and the client
- A demolition process that was efficient, controlled, and safe
As Rob from NWA stated:
“When you think of the word ‘legend,’ you’ve got to perform. And Legend definitely performed. Brilliant.”
Watch the Full Project Video
To see how Legend Hire’s custom 50T Propping system was engineered, installed, and put into action on site, watch the full case study video on YouTube. It visually showcases the collaboration, the equipment, and the engineering solution that made this complex demolition safe and successful.